Kunene - Namibia

The Kunene region in northwestern Namibia is a land of vast, untamed beauty and growing economic significance. While its remoteness poses challenges, Kunene’s rich natural resources—from minerals to livestock—offer multiple paths to sustainable development.

Geologically, Kunene is part of the ancient Damara Belt, containing promising deposits of lithium, copper, tin, rare earth elements, and graphite—critical minerals for green technologies and the global energy transition. International exploration companies are increasingly investing in this underdeveloped area, especially in search of copper and lithium for electric batteries and renewable energy infrastructure.

Beyond mining, livestock farming is the economic backbone of Kunene. The region is home to indigenous cattle, goats, and sheep breeds that are well adapted to arid conditions. For the semi-nomadic Himba and Herero communities, livestock is not only an economic asset but a vital part of cultural identity and social structure.

Agriculture, though limited by low rainfall and poor soils, is practiced along riverbeds and seasonal wetlands. Efforts are growing to support climate-resilient crops and small-scale irrigation, offering food security and income for rural households.

Kunene also has significant potential in eco-tourism and renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, thanks to its expansive open landscapes and high solar radiation.

With a balanced strategy, Kunene can harness its natural wealth—minerals, livestock, and landscapes—to build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable regional economy in the heart of Africa.